Copaiba oil nanoemulsion inhibits the proliferation of Zika virus particles. This was reported by scientists from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in an article published in the journal. PLOS ONE.
Copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis) is used by the indigenous people of the Amazon to treat skin diseases. In a new study, biologists showed that the nanoemulsion remained stable for 60 days at 4°C and was taken up by Zika virus-infected cells. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and causes sudden fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, joints and muscles, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itching and red rash.
At the maximum nontoxic concentration of 180 μg/ml, copaiba oil nanoemulsion suppressed viral RNA activity by 80%, which significantly prevented the formation of new viral particles. Despite the promising results, researchers remain cautious: The nanoemulsion without Copaiba oil also showed antiviral activity (suppressing viral RNA activity by 70%). This means that some of the effect may be due to surfactants in the emulsion. However, the higher the concentration of copaiba oil, the more pronounced the antiviral effect, which indirectly confirms its effectiveness.
Additional studies should identify the stages at which viral replication is suppressed. This information will help determine whether oil-based medications should be used only as a preliminary treatment or to combat the infection itself.
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Source: Gazeta
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